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December 30, 2025
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Bennington Resident Leads Effort for Legal Competency Reform in Vermont: Kelly Carroll, a Bennington resident and founder of Voices of Vermont Victims, is spearheading advocacy for changes to Vermont's legal competency restoration process. A public discussion at the State House in Montpelier on January 21 will address the lack of a secure forensic psychiatric facility and a formal system for competency restoration in Vermont. This legislative gap has resulted in delays for justice and challenges for victims' families. The event highlights ongoing concerns around public safety and judicial accountability. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 29)
December 24, 2025
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Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson Reinstated Pending Further Hearing: The Village of Woodstock has reinstated Joe Swanson to his position as police chief, following a state court decision that questioned his prior demotion. Despite his official title being restored, Swanson is required to remain inactive in his role until a pending hearing takes place. The decision ensures he will be compensated at the chief's salary rate but does not guarantee full retroactive pay. The situation remains under review as legal and administrative proceedings continue. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 24)
December 18, 2025
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Former Woodstock Police Chief Files Legal Motion to Regain Position and Back Pay: Joe Swanson, the demoted former chief of the Woodstock Police Department, has petitioned the Vermont Superior Court to compel the Village of Woodstock to comply with legal and judicial mandates related to his employment dispute. Swanson, placed again on paid administrative leave, seeks reinstatement, restoration of his original salary, and back pay for the period he claims was unjustly demoted. His latest legal filing requests a writ of mandamus to enforce these demands. The court's response is pending. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 18)
December 12, 2025
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Manchester Reflects on Lasting Impact of Dana L. Thompson’s Death 53 Years Later: On December 12, 1972, Manchester Police Chief Dana L. Thompson was fatally shot while on duty, marking one of the community’s most significant tragedies. His funeral brought together nearly 1,000 mourners and 400 police officers, with local businesses closing to honor his memory. Residents and officials continue to remember Thompson for his dedication, humility, and positive influence on Manchester. The anniversary prompts reflection on the profound effect his death had on the town’s sense of safety. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 12)
December 4, 2025
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Investigation Continues After Hartland College Student Found Dead Near River: Authorities in Woodstock, Vermont, are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Hartland resident whose body was found near the Ottauquechee River, approximately a quarter mile from a car crash site. The deceased, a sophomore at Rutgers University and recent Woodstock Union High School graduate, was discovered about 17 hours after his vehicle crashed off East Woodstock Road. An autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death, with foul play not currently suspected. Official results may take several weeks to complete. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 4)
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Vermont Judge Overturns Demotion of Woodstock Police Chief, Case Returns to Trustees: A Vermont Superior Court judge has reversed a prior decision by the Woodstock Village Trustees that upheld the demotion of Police Chief Joe Swanson to patrol officer. The judge's ruling sends the matter back to the board for reconsideration, following the chief's earlier appeal this spring. Swanson's attorney has requested his immediate reinstatement, while municipal officials had not commented as of the report's deadline. The outcome of the trustees' renewed deliberations remains pending. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Dec 4)
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Manchester Disables Flock License Plate Readers After Legal Changes: Manchester, Vermont has discontinued use of its Flock Safety license plate readers following updates to state statutes. The devices, which recorded vehicle details but lacked facial recognition, were initially installed to help identify suspects in a string of downtown burglaries. Although town officials credited the cameras with solving those crimes, concerns emerged regarding data collection and privacy. The cameras now remain inactive as the community navigates legal and ethical considerations. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Dec 4)
December 2, 2025
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Vermont Court Upholds Brattleboro Union High School Principal's Dismissal: A Vermont Superior Court judge has upheld the dismissal of former Brattleboro Union High School Principal Steven Perrin, affirming the Windham Southeast School District board's decision to terminate him in 2022 following allegations of misconduct. The ruling also dismissed Perrin’s civil claims against the district and school board members. The decision closes a case that brought renewed attention to longstanding concerns around sexual abuse reporting in the district. No further legal avenues remain in Perrin’s employment dispute. (Source: The Commons on Dec 2)
November 30, 2025
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Hartland Teen Discovered Deceased Near Ottauquechee River Following Woodstock Crash: A 19-year-old man from Hartland was found dead along the Ottauquechee River approximately 17 hours after reportedly crashing his car into a tree on East Woodstock Road in Woodstock. Authorities identified the driver as Benjamin Johnsen, whose body has been sent to Burlington for autopsy examination. Police stated there did not appear to be suspicious circumstances, though few additional details were released. Law enforcement had searched for Johnsen as temperatures in the area dropped below freezing overnight. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 30)
November 25, 2025
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Woodstock Police Chief Demotion Case Heard by Vermont Judge, Decision Pending: A Vermont Superior Court judge is considering arguments regarding the demotion of Joe Swanson, the former police chief of Woodstock, by village manager Eric Duffy. Both legal teams presented their cases during a video hearing, with written briefs also submitted for review. This case has received significant attention in the Woodstock area, drawing interest from residents, local officials, and the media. The judge plans to issue a written decision following his review of the arguments and evidence. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 25)
November 20, 2025
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Court to Hear Former Woodstock Police Chief Swanson's Demotion Appeal: A Vermont Superior Court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in the case of former Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson's challenge against his demotion by municipal manager Eric Duffy. Attorneys representing both Swanson and the Village of Woodstock have been engaged in ongoing legal disputes, with arguments presented about whether the demotion was justified. Judge H. Dickson Corbett may decide the case on the hearing day, but a written decision is also possible. The hearing will be accessible to the public via WebEx. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 20)
November 17, 2025
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Woodstock Judge Bars Further Evidence in Village's Case Against Demoted Police Chief: A Vermont Superior Court judge has ruled that the Village of Woodstock cannot seek new evidence in its ongoing case to demote Police Chief Joe Swanson. The decision states that only the information initially used for the demotion may be considered, limiting further efforts by the village to submit additional documentation or comments. The court will proceed to review the merits of Swanson’s appeal in late November. This ruling establishes clear boundaries for evidence in the dispute. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Oct 30)
November 13, 2025
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Vermont Court Set to Review Woodstock Police Chief Demotion This Month: A Vermont Superior Court hearing is scheduled this month to consider legal arguments regarding the demotion of former Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson. Swanson’s attorney claims that the village lacks just cause for his removal, while the village maintains that employment procedures were properly followed. The matter centers on whether municipal leadership had the authority to remove Swanson earlier this year. The upcoming hearing aims to resolve the ongoing dispute between the parties. (Source: The Vermont Standard on Nov 13)
November 10, 2025
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Heart of the Shires Event Honors Resilient Community Leaders in Southwestern Vermont: The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Heart of the Shires Brunch at the Park McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion carriage house in North Bennington. The event recognized nonprofits and community-minded businesses, highlighting individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the region's well-being. Awards included the Heart of the Shires Award, given to Thomas A. Dee for his service as director of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. The gathering emphasized the importance of resilience and interconnectedness in the community. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Nov 10)
October 29, 2025
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Newfane Author Deborah Lee Luskin Explores Hunting Journey in New Book: Deborah Lee Luskin, a longtime Newfane resident and former town moderator, has written a narrative nonfiction book titled Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress. The work chronicles Luskin's transformation from a New York–born academic into a Vermont deer hunter, a process that spanned four years. The book is scheduled for release on November 4 by Sibylline Press, just ahead of Vermont's rifle and shotgun deer hunting season. Luskin's story delves into both the challenges and achievements of her journey. (Source: The Commons on Oct 28)
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Bennington County Democrats Finalize 2025 Reorganization with Increased Participation: The Bennington County Democratic Committee has completed its 2025 reorganization, marking a notable rise in local engagement. The meeting, held at the Bennington Free Library and accessible online, recorded one of the state's highest county-level turnouts, according to party officials. This cycle renewed 10 town committees and established a new one in Sunderland, resulting in 11 recognized Democratic committees across the county. Jonathan West was elected as chair, solidifying the leadership team for the upcoming year. (Source: The Manchester Journal on Oct 27)